DTI lifts suspension order on steel maker

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Product Standards (DTI) has lifted the suspension order on Pampanga-based Wan Chiong Steel Corp. after the firm complied with the agency’s requirements.

DTI-BPS director James Empeno said the steel manufacturing firm was informed that the suspension of its license, meted on Dec. 5, 2018, has been lifted.

“Results of the verification audit conducted on Feb. 27, 2019, showed compliance with the requirements…Likewise, results of the third party independent test showed conformance with the requirements of the standards,” Empeno said.

Wan Chiong Steel said the DTI-BPS belied media reports that came out recently that there was still an existing suspension order, with the public being warned against buying their steel products.

“This is due to business competition. But it is time that our side is heard,” the company said.

The firm said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Environmental Management Bureau has also issued a resolution dated Feb. 27, 2019, clearing Wan Chiong Steel of any previous violations, which also allowed the company to resume its plant operations.

In the resolution, the DENR-EMB said it allowed the firm to resume its operations “as a result of compliance with their commitments; as well as with existing environmental laws, rules and regulations being implemented by the  Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environment Management Bureau.”